Comox Valley 2018 Municipal Elections
Random thoughts about yesterday’s municipal elections
The anti-tax wave turned into a progressive tsunami in Courtenay; Long undercuts Jangula; 48% of Cumberland voters cast a ballot and a woman of color will contribute her world view to the regional district
Elections 2018 results
Bob Wells elected mayor in Courtenay. Cole-Hamilton tops council poll, with McCollum, Frisch, Morin, Hillian and Theos
Candidates did their part, now do yours: VOTE
Comox Valley voters have a terrible record of turning out to vote in municipal elections, yet who we elect to our local governments has a more direct and impactful effect on our daily lives. Let’s turn that around this year
Are Courtenay taxes high, or is the city’s transparency low?
Courtenay’s year-over-year tax increases compare favorably with surrounding municipalities. So what’s all the fuss about? Maybe the answer lies in the city’s transparency — or lack of it
Yes vote on Cumberland referendum benefits two projects
If Cumberland voters approve up to $4.4 million in borrowing to bring the village’s treatment plant up to provincial standards, it will help to acquire grants and free up funds for a new fire hall
City Council candidates debate taxes, amalgamation
16 candidates for six Courtenay City Council seats answered questions from the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce last night in front of a full house at the Sid Williams Theatre. Taxes and amalgamation were the hot topics
Robocalls, fake news and other election shenanigans
It’s just three days before the majority of voters will choose Comox Valley mayors, councils and school trustees, and the silly season is in full swing. Here’s what’s going on …
Comox candidates separate on housing, growth issues
Most new candidates for six town of Comox council seats would do more to require that developments include an affordable housing component, while sitting council members say affordability is being addressed with a 90-unit building on Anderton
Area A candidates meet with Royston voters
Saturday’s Royston meeting had over 50 citizens in attendance, giving up part of their sunny afternoon to listen to and question both candidates. There was a twist to this all candidates affair, the moderator was ill, and there was no one willing to take his place, so both candidates were running the show, alternating recognizing questions from the floor.
In the Comox Valley, Decafnation recommends ….
There’s a youth movement in Comox Valley politics and Decafnation supports it. Former council members have had their chance. It’s those who must live with the impact of decisions tomorrow who should have the opportunity to make them today
Decafnation’s election recommendations publish tomorrow
Decafnation will offer its recommendations for mayors, council members and regional district rural directors tomorrow, on the first day of advance voting in the 2018 municipal elections. But persuasion is not the objective
Patrick McKenna gets serious about council, housing
With a background in both corporate retail and the nonprofit sector, Patrick McKenna believes he would bring a unique perspective to his first term on the Comox Town Council. He’s focused on affordable housing, the arts and community safety
Chris Haslett will spend wisely, and use common sense
Chris Haslett doesn’t see any big issues facing the Town of Comox, but he would like to phase out wood stoves, ban plastic bags and encourage developers to build more houses to drive down housing costs.
Eduardo Uranga promises sewer plant and lower taxes
A self-described former ski and mountain biking bum with a degree in chemical engineering, is challenging incumbent Leslie Baird for the Cumberland mayor’s chair
Elected officials separate themselves on the difficult decisions
The mundane decisions that comprise most of an elected official’s term in office reveal little about their values or principles. It’s the pressure-cooker moments that reveal a person’s true colors
Kiyoshi Kosky decides on economy, social, environment
Kiyoshi Kosky, the Courtenay City Council candidate from Cortes Island with the Japanese first name, says we could learn a lot from First Nations culture, and about affordable housing from Whistler, BC o describe his view of local...
Gwyn Sproule is focused on village’s economic diversity
Over five terms on Cumberland Council, Gwyn Sproule has shifted her agenda from saving trees to growing the village’s commercial base with light, green industries along Bevan Road. And she wants to see the wastewater treatment project to completion
Rural area candidates discuss various regional issues
The last in a series of in-depth voter information pages published today.
Ron Freeman sees new Comox businesses, low taxes
Ron Freeman, a former pastor and Habitat board member, wants to attract young families and a greater variety of new businesses to Comox, meanwhile keeping taxes as low as possible omox Town Council candidate Ron Freeman hopes to look back on...
Candidates & Decafnation collaborate to inform voters
Your vote on Oct. 20 does more than elect someone to a municipal council. It shapes the future of your community. Our special pages this week will help you make more informed choices